Norway condemns terrorist attack in Kenya

OSLO, Norway, September 23, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- “Norway condemns the brutal terrorist attack in a shopping centre in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, on 21 September. This attack must be investigated and those responsible held accountable,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

At least 39 people are reported to have been killed and more than 150 injured in an attack by gunmen on the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi on Saturday 21 September. The shopping centre is very popular with both Kenyans and visitors to the capital, and many people go there to shop on Saturdays. The terrorists did not distinguish between children and adults, and both Kenyans and foreigners have been shot.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the Kenyan people,” said Mr Eide.

The attack on Westgate shopping centre is the worst terrorist attack in Nairobi since the attack on the US Embassy in 1998. The Somali terrorist organisation al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility. The attack is believed to be connected to the participation of around 4 000 Kenyan soldiers in a military operation in Somalia, led by the African Union, against al-Shabaab.

On Sunday morning, the terrorists were still holding hostages in the centre, and the situation remained unclear.

“This terrible attack in Nairobi highlights how important it is for the international community to stand together in the fight against international terrorism,” said Mr Eide.